Alcaparrosaite is a rare sulfate mineral that forms as a secondary mineral in oxidized iron-rich mine environments. It is characterized by its distinctive yellow tabular crystal habit and is primarily sought after by advanced collectors of rare sulfate species.
Is this alcaparrosaite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch alcaparrosaite with a known reference. Alcaparrosaite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Alcaparrosaite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Alcaparrosaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Alcaparrosaite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside alcaparrosaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with alcaparrosaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₃TiFe³⁺(SO₄)₄O·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Oxidized Ore Deposits
Where rockhounds find alcaparrosaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Alcaparrosa mine, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized ore deposits country, the host setting where alcaparrosaite typically forms. If you start seeing jarosite, copiapite, halotrichite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify alcaparrosaite?+
Where is alcaparrosaite found?+
What rocks look like alcaparrosaite?+
What minerals are found with alcaparrosaite?+
What kind of rock does alcaparrosaite form in?+
What is alcaparrosaite used for?+
Find alcaparrosaite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
